VII (LP)

Blitzen Trapper

Amoeba Review

09/29/2013

Blitzen Trapper's latest album is its rootsiest yet, owing more to The Band and America than Pavement. But as honky-tonkin' as VII is, it still packs some surprises. "Feel the Chill" has a tinny, electronic feel, like an American flag keychain that plays a familiar country tune when you press a button. "Shine On" is a gospel-tinged blues stomper that wouldn't feel out of place being played in pubs across the heartland, but the quintet sneaks in snarling riffs under their coats. For fans of Blitzen Trapper albums like Furr, the later BT albums take a bit of getting used to, but once you know what to expect, this new incarnation of Blitzen Trapper offers new joys, like the CSNY-style "Ever Loved Once," which introduces banjo and lush, AM-gold harmonies at just the right moment. Whereas Blitzen Trapper used to sound scruffy, they're serving up country-fried comfort food on VII. Dig in!